D&T

In D&T, we encourage students to become ‘creative problem solvers’; this is done by presenting them with a need, then providing the resources they require to design and make a solution.

In today’s modern, technological society, D&T skills underpin other areas of the curriculum and prepare our students for life outside school.

All students have the opportunity to study in at least four different material areas: Food, Systems & Control, Textiles and Resistant Materials, with Graphics skills being taught throughout.

Students in our department have access to wireless laptops, as well as a range of C.A.M. technology. There are also several thriving clubs that runs after school. The Department is extremely well resourced, and students are able to experience many new and modern materials and manufacturing techniques, as well as having access to 60 dedicated laptops and PCs.

Students at KS3 follow a ’roundabout’ of five distinct Material Areas in year 7: Food, Resistant Materials, Graphics, Textiles and Systems & Control (electronics). In each area, they follow the design process from design brief through to product evaluation. Each area uses a different range of materials and equipment to meet the design brief.

From year 8 students are given a chance to specialise in three preferred material areas. During Year 9, when selecting their options, students can choose up to two areas of D&T to study at GCSE: Catering, Graphic Products, Resistant Materials and Textiles.

Food/Catering

In KS3 students develop a range of practical skills which enables them to make and prepare a range of food products safely. Students learn about nutrition and we focus on the Eatwell Plate, the 5 a day guideline and specific nutrients e.g. starchy carbohydrates, proteins and vitamins and minerals. In year 7 and 8 students will learn how to use the cooker safely by producing a range of food products such as fruit salads, chicken nuggets and breakfast muffins. In year nine the skills are built on and the students develop a wider repertoire of dishes, these include pasta bake, risotto, chicken in sweet and sour sauce and shortcrust pastry products such as quiche.

From September 2016 students can choose to study GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition. This GCSE is 50% coursework and 50% written exam. All coursework in completed in year 11.

In year 10 the students develop their food preparation skills by producing a range of dishes. They also develop their understanding of nutrition and food functions by looking at individual ingredients and nutrients.

The first coursework assessment is completed in September of year 11. Students are given a brief where they have to look at how different conditions affect how a particular ingredient works e.g. looking at how different flours, liquids and preparation techniques affecting the formation of gluten in bread dough. Their second coursework is started in November and they have to plan, prepare and evaluate a two course meal for a specific theme e.g. a two course Mediterranean meal. As part of this task students have a three hour practical exam.

Graphics

In Graphics we learn a range of graphic techniques including sketching, isometric drawing, colour rendering, modelling and net design. Access to pcs and laptops is excellent and students are expected to become proficient with CAD/CAM.

We use a variety of different graphic product materials mainly paper, card, photo paper, foam board, light plastic and a number of different fixtures/ fastening systems.

Understanding of the design process is gained through Focused Practical Tasks.

In Year 9 we design and make quality packaging for a small gift. Designs are created using 2D Design. CraftRobo is then used for cutting out the net.

In year 11 students work on their coursework project which makes up 60% of their final grade. They have a choice of designing and making one of six options including a simple pop-up book for children or a container for a child’s meal.

Resistant Materials

In Resistant Materials we learn to design and make products using wood, metal and plastic. As well as learning traditional hand skills, students also use computer controlled machines such as laser cutters.

Textiles

In Textiles students learn to work safely and confidently with a sewing machine and small equipment (scissors, pins etc.) and how to manipulate a variety of fabrics and components, mixing colour and texture.

Students are encouraged to work together and independently, developing their own design ideas into a successful product, they learn a wide variety of construction and decorative skills, thus forming a good foundation for KS4 GCSE.

They learn to use a sewing machine, basic construction techniques and decorative processes such as applique and fabric painting.

Projects undertaken include:
Monster hats – made from fleece (Year 7)
Bags for Life – an environmentally friendly cotton bag made to replace carrier bags (Year 8)
Ugly Dolls – soft toy made for young children with LED lights and a soft circuit (Year 9)
‘Waste to Wear’ (making a product from recycled materials) & ’Print, Pattern cutting & pyjamas’ (where students print their own fabric, then make a pair of pyjamas to fit them) (Year 10)
Controlled Assignment coursework – students will research, design, make and evaluate a product, chosen from a list of topics set by the exam board (Year 11)

At the end of Year 10 coursework, students are also given the opportunity to be creative and inventive. A one off workshop day is undertaken, based on recycling all types of material (sweet wrappers, fruit nets, old clothing, crisp packets, ribbons, bubble wrap and strapping). The inspiration for this came from Kylie Minogue’s stage costumes from the V&A exhibition.

D&T Department Staff

Mrs McNulty - Curriculum Manager

Miss McNab

Miss Wines

Mrs Scott

Mr Stevens

Miss Cheek

Mr Conner - HLTA

Mr Willoughby - Workshop Technician

Mrs O'Connor - Food & Textiles Technician

Extra Curricular Activities

Food Club

Graphics Club

Tech Club

Textiles Club

Electronics Club

Regular catch up sessions for pupils who require extra time.

Student Leadership

Many opportunities for students to take on leadership roles as Tech Leaders, by helping other students in class or by assisting in the running of clubs.